Lescott targets domestic prize

Joleon Lescott: Insists Manchester City will take each game in their stride

Joleon Lescott does not expect Manchester City's UEFA Champions League exit to damage their pursuit of other honours.

City's first Champions League campaign ended at the first hurdle but they are still five points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League and have a Carling Cup semi-final to prepare for next month.

They will also now compete in the Europa League while their FA Cup defence will begin with a clash against rivals Manchester United in four weeks' time.

Lescott said: "This won't come into it. We haven't focused on our Premier League form after Champions League games, we have just taken each game as it comes.

"There is importance in every game we play and we are still in four competitions.

"Obviously with the Champions League, it would have been nice to qualify, but the Europa League would still sit comfortably on the mantelpiece."

City return to Premier League action with a trip to title rivals Chelsea on Monday.

Lescott said: "It is a massive game. They are on the back of two good results and we are doing well ourselves. It is all there for an entertaining game."

Lescott expects his team-mates to learn from their Champions League experience this season and come back stronger next year.

The 29-year-old former Everton player said: "We're obviously very disappointed.

"The goal was to get through to the knockout stage and it wasn't to be. But we weren't a seeded team and we knew we were going to get a tough group.

"If you look on paper Napoli are a good team and Bayern are there every year. We knew it would be tough to qualify.

"We have got a high number of players who have played in the Champions League before but, as a unit, it was our first time.

"If we can gain from this experience I am sure that when next year comes around we will be better prepared."